Winning volleyball partnership nears end

BEIJING — The image of Kerri Walsh tackling partner Misty May-Treanor in celebration of their gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics is one of unbridled joy, almost childlike.

That seems fitting given that Thursday's 21-18, 21-18 gold-medal victory over China's Tian Jia and Jie Wang could mark the end of one of sport's most successful and recognizable partnerships for a simple reason.

Both Walsh and May-Treanor want to have children.

You have heard of maternity leave. For the many fans who follow this dynamic duo's every beach volleyball move, this could be maternity grieve.

Walsh and May-Treanor put off parenting plans until after the 2008 Beijing Olympics in an attempt to put at least a semicolon -- if not a period, on their eight-year run with a second gold medal. The duo has won 69 straight international matches and 108 overall counting AVP Tour play.

"We want to go out in high style and on top," Walsh said before the final. "Misty and I have worked so hard and fought so hard together for eight years to get to this point. After that it'll be an honor if we're blessed to be able to start families."

The reason their unique partnership could be in jeopardy is Walsh, unequivocally, has talked about taking a year off and then returning to the AVP Tour and international play. Her husband is fellow pro beach volleyball player Casey Jennings, so they already have mastered the balancing act of home and work lives.

May-Treanor, who is married to Florida Marlins catcher Matt Treanor, has been less committal. Their seasons run concurrently, making child care potentially problematic.

"That's too far in the future," May-Treanor said. "You never know how you will react if you're lucky enough to become a parent."

If this is the end, Walsh and May-Treanor have savored most every moment from this Olympic run, which has included seven consecutive straight-sets victories.

May-Treanor spread half of a film canister of her mother's ashes in the sand following their semifinal victory and planned to tip the rest of the tribute Thursday. Walsh has continued her practice of shaking more hands than a politician following matches, seeking out every judge, volunteer and opponent.

Both players have stayed long after formal news conferences have ended, answering question after question.

"We just enjoy what we do and it comes with all our hard work," May-Treanor said. "We like young kids looking up to us and building a future for the sport and getting it in the limelight. It's a great sport. The fans have fun. The athletes have a good time.

"I don't know if we're a dynasty. Maybe we're legends?"

Partnerships come and go in this sport like waves off the beaches where it's played. But Walsh and May-Treanor have endured.

"I am so reliant on Misty and I love her so much. We respect each other so much. We would be a good married couple," Walsh said. "About nine to 11 months a year, we're together. You need to have a special relationship. We hit the jackpot when we found each other."